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Jim Moran

12/12/2012

Here is a look at some interesting political stories percolating in the Virginia political world:

*Rep. Jim Moran's son Patrick is in trouble again. Patrick made headlines during the election when James O'Keefe's Project Veritas caught him on a hidden camera offering up tips to commit voter fraud. Now Moran is dealing with criminal charges. He pleaded guilty to simple assault after a Washington, D.C. police officer saw him smash his girlfriend's head into a metal trash can. Moran and his girlfriend Kelly Hoffman claim the whole thing is a misunderstanding. Steve Contorno has the full story at the Washington Examiner.

*Gov. Bob McDonnell continues to be well liked by Virginians. A new poll from Public Opinion Strategies gives the governor a 67% approval rating. As Julian Walker notes in the Pilot on Politics blog, the poll represents some of the highest approval ratings of McDonnell's time as governor.

*That same Public Opinion Strategies poll shows that the 2013 race for governor is tight. Terry McAuliffe (D) and Ken Cuccinelli (R) are locked in a statistical dead heat, with 15% of voters still undecided.

*Speaking of 2013, I bet you are hoping you start getting some mail pieces from the candidates right? Maybe not.. GOP LG candidate Pete Snyder is taking that into account as he finds a way to get his message into your mailbox without annoying you too much.

Snyder is ready to drop this mail piece which pokes fun at political mail pieces with a holiday twist. The mailer asks "What if career politicians took over your Christmas mail?" It then lines up two fictional pols with made up witty holiday "campaign" stances.

Snyder also beefs up his conservative credentials by offering voters that get the mailer a chance to scan a QR code that allows them to donate directly to Pregnancy Resource Centers of Virginia. The group is a pro-life organization designed to offer pregnant women alternatives to abortion.

Look for the Snyder mailer if you are a prime GOP voter or past delegate. The key contingent Snyder needs to attract in a crowded convention contest.

Do you know of any hot political stories that need to be reported? Send me a tip at rnobles@nbc12.com or hit me up on twitter or facebook.